Name the first major historical novel of Assam. What is the main theme of the novel?
Manomati (1900) written by Rajanikanta Bordoloi is the first major historical novel of Assam.
Manomati is a romantic story in the context of the Burmese invasion. The historical event of the defeat of the Assamese garrisons at the hands of the Burmese is used as a backdrop in this novel. It has an element of suspense. It is a tale of two lovers belonging to two hostile families, who are separated by the war and finally reunited. Bardoloi’s novels are an imaginative re-creation of history. His writings inspired a spirit of patriotism and romanticism.